The WNBA had plenty to celebrate this year, from its 30th season to exceptional performances by emerging rookies and seasoned stars. Between standout defensive performances and game-changing contributions off the bench, this season brought unforgettable moments across the league. The 2026 Kia WNBA end-of-season awards recognize players whose performances made the biggest impact.
Most Valuable Player
A’ja Wilson became the first player in WNBA history to be named Most Valuable Player for three straight seasons. The Las Vegas Aces center-forward won her fifth MVP award, extending her own league record.
This season, Wilson’s 26.2-point scoring average was the second-highest in league history, behind her 26.9 points per game in 2024. She rounded out her stat line with 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Wilson set the standard on both ends of the floor, finishing as the league’s scoring leader for the third consecutive season and leading in blocks per game for a fifth straight year.
“15-year-old A’ja wasn’t sitting up here dreaming about being a five-time MVP. She wasn’t dreaming about being a three-time champion,” Wilson reflected in a press conference. “She was dreaming about surviving this world. So for me to sit up here surrounded by these trophies … it means a little bit more to me.”
Defensive Player of the Year
In her inaugural season with the Atlanta Dream, Angel Reese won Defensive Player of the Year, a first in franchise history. All year, Reese dominated the glass, leading the league in rebounds per game (12.1). She ranked third in total defensive rebounds (315), steals per game (1.8) and total steals (77).
After winning her first postseason award, Reese credited her teammates in a press release. “I have the trophy, but I definitely want Jordin [Canada] and Rhyne [Howard] to sign it because I think they deserve it just as much as I do.” The work isn’t done for Reese and the Dream, who will travel to Golden State for Game 1 of the WNBA Finals.
Rookie of the Year
Point guard Olivia Miles joins the ranks of unanimous Rookie of the Year recipients. After playing at Texas Christian University, Miles was drafted second overall by the Minnesota Lynx. She led Minnesota to the No. 1 seed, contributing to the Lynx’s success while navigating most of the season without star Napheesa Collier.
Individually, Miles boasted an impressive stat line of 19.8 points, 6.0 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game. With a total of 790 points, Miles also claimed the WNBA record for points scored in a rookie season.
League commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented Miles’ award with high praise.
“The skill, confidence and poise you’ve shown in just your first season has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Engelbert said. “I knew when I called your name on draft night I would be standing here.”
Most Improved Player
Rebuilding the roster was a top priority for the Dallas Wings, and signing Jessica Shepard was a key move. Shepard played five seasons for Minnesota, where she contributed steadily as a role player. In the Wings lineup, Shepard stepped into the new responsibility of an offensive leader.
With Dallas, Shepard averaged career highs of 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. She led the league with six triple-doubles for the season and made her WNBA All-Star debut as a starter. She capped off the transformative season by winning Most Improved Player.
“More than anything, I feel grateful for the people who stayed by my side through every version of me,” Shepard said on Instagram. “The people who celebrated the good days, sat with me through the hard ones, and believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself.”
Sixth Player of the Year
The Golden State Valkyries are headed to their first WNBA Finals, with help from sophomore Janelle Salaün. The 6-foot-2 forward made 40 appearances for Golden State, bringing a surge of offensive intensity off the bench.
Salaün was unanimously named Sixth Player of the Year after leading league reserves with a career-high 12.7 points per game. Salaün also set several WNBA single-season reserve records, including total points (509), three-pointers made (93) and games with double-digit points (27). Golden State will look for Salaün’s scoring off the bench in their battle for the WNBA championship trophy.
The WNBA postseason continues Saturday, Oct. 17, with the opening game of the Finals. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at the Chase Center in San Francisco. The game will be available to stream on CNBC, USA Network and Peacock.